Integrated circuits having cascode transistor

Abstract

An integrated circuit includes a first circuit. The first circuit includes a first transistor having a first dopant type. The first circuit further includes a first cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein the first cascode transistor connected in series with the first transistor. The first circuit further includes a second transistor having a second dopant type opposite to the first dopant type, wherein the second transistor is connected in series with the first transistor. The first circuit includes a second cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second cascode transistor is connected in series with the second transistor. The integrated circuit further includes a first bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage of at least one of the first cascode transistor or the second cascode transistor.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/282,836, filed Oct. 27, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of semiconductor integrated circuits, and more particularly, to integrated circuits with cascode transistors.

BACKGROUND

The semiconductor industry has experienced continual rapid growth due to continuous improvements in the integration density of various electronic components (i.e., transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, etc.). For the most part, this improvement in integration density has come from repeated reductions in minimum feature size, allowing for the integration of more components into a given area. The scale down of features of integrated circuits has been implemented in various applications, e.g., digital circuits, analog circuits, and mixed-signal circuits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1A is a schematic drawing of an exemplary integrated circuit including an N-type cascode transistor.

FIG. 1B is a schematic drawing of an exemplary integrated circuit including a P-type cascode transistor.

FIG. 2A is a schematic drawing of an integrated circuit including a bias circuit.

FIG. 2B is a schematic drawing of another exemplary integrated circuit including a bias circuit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary operational amplifier.

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary constant gm bias circuit.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary bandgap reference circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In analog circuits, cascode technology is deployed to enhance electrical performances. In cascode technology, a cascode transistor is electrically coupled with a transistor in series. As the cascode transistor is operated as a diode having a low input resistance to the transistor, the voltage gain of the transistor becomes small, such that the bandwidth of the analog circuit is increased.

One cascode technique is to electrically connect a gate and a drain of the cascode transistor together. A gate and a drain of the transistor are electrically connected to each other. The gate of the cascode transistor is electrically isolated from the gate of the transistor. During the operation, the cascode transistor and the transistor are both operated in a saturation mode. In such a configuration, the supply voltage is designed to be larger than a sum of threshold voltages of the cascode transistor and the transistor. This configuration of the cascode transistor and the transistor makes the voltage headroom small.

Another cascode technique is to supply a bias voltage to the gate of the cascode transistor to enhance the voltage headroom. To provide a desired bias voltage, the bias circuit electrically coupled with the gate of the cascode transistor is complicated and may be difficult to design.

It is understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition of reference numerals indicates the same element contained in different embodiments and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

FIG. 1A is a schematic drawing of an exemplary integrated circuit including an N-type cascode transistor. In FIG. 1A, an integrated circuit 100 includes an analog circuit 110. In some embodiments, the analog circuit 110 is an operational amplifier, a constant-gm bias circuit, a bandgap reference circuit, a current mirror, an analog to digital converter (ADC), a digital to analog converter (DAC), a pump circuit, a multiplexer, or one of other analog circuitries.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the analog circuit 110 includes a transistor M₁. The transistor M₁ is an N-type transistor as shown in FIG. 1A. The integrated circuit 100 includes at least one cascode transistor, e.g., cascode transistor M_C1 that is electrically coupled with the transistor M₁ in a series fashion. A drain and a gate of the cascode transistor M_C1 are electrically coupled with a gate of the transistor M₁ of the analog circuit 110. In some embodiments, a source and a bulk of the transistor M₁ are electrically coupled with a bulk of the cascode transistor M_C1 and electrically grounded.

During an operation, the cascode transistor M_C1 is operated in a saturation mode or a sub-threshold mode. The transistor M₁ is operated in a saturation mode. By operating the cascode transistor M_C1 in a saturation mode or a sub-threshold mode, the voltage headroom between the drain of the cascode transistor M_C1 and a supply voltage becomes larger. Additionally, the gates of the cascode transistor M_C1 and the transistor M₁ are electrically coupled with the drain of the cascode transistor M_C1. No bias circuit is electrically coupled to a bulk of the cascode transistor M_C1 and configured to provide a bias to adjust the operation mode of the cascode transistor M_C1. As a result, the design of the integrated circuit 100 is simplified. The area that is assigned to accommodate the bias circuit is saved.

In some embodiments, the cascode transistor M_C1 is operated in a sub-threshold mode, and the transistor M₁ is operated in a saturation mode. To achieve the operation, the voltage differential (V_GSC1) between the gate and the source of the cascode transistor M_C1 is less than the threshold voltage (V_THC1) of the cascode transistor M_C1. The threshold voltage (V_THC1) of the cascode transistor M_C1 is less than the threshold voltage (V_TH1) of the transistor M₁. The relationship among the voltage differential V_GSC1 and the threshold voltages V_THC1 and V_TH1 can be shown as below:
V_GSC1<V_THC1<V_TH1

In some embodiments, the threshold voltage (V_THC1) of the cascode transistor M_C1 being less than the threshold voltage (V_TH1) of the transistor M₁ allows a channel length of the cascode transistor M_C1 to be designed shorter than a channel length of the transistor M₁. In some embodiments, a channel width of the cascode transistor M_C1 is designed to be wider than a channel width of the transistor M₁. In other embodiments, the cascode transistor M_C1 is a native transistor and the transistor M₁ is not a native transistor. For example, the threshold voltage (V_THC1) of the cascode transistor M_C1 is around 0, and the threshold voltage (V_TH1) of the transistor M₁ is higher than 0. In still other embodiments, the cascode transistor M_C1 is a low threshold voltage (LVT) transistor or an ultra-low threshold voltage (ULVT) transistor. For example, the cascode transistor M_C1 is an N-type LVT cascode transistor. The P-type dopant concentration in the channel region of the cascode transistor is lower than that of the transistor.

FIG. 1B is a schematic drawing of an exemplary integrated circuit including a P-type cascode transistor. In FIG. 1B, the integrated circuit 100 includes an analog circuit 120. In some embodiments, the analog circuit 120 is an operational amplifier, a constant-gm bias circuit, a bandgap reference circuit, a current mirror, an analog to digital converter (ADC), a digital to analog converter (DAC), a pump circuit, a multiplexer, or one of other analog circuitries.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the analog circuit 120 includes a transistor M₂. The transistor M₂ is a P-type transistor as shown in FIG. 1B. The integrated circuit 100 includes at least one cascode transistor, e.g., cascode transistor M_C2 that is electrically coupled with the transistor M₂ in a series fashion. The cascode transistor M_C2 is a P-type cascode transistor. A drain and a gate of the cascode transistor M_C2 are electrically coupled with a gate of the transistor M₂ of the analog circuit 120. In some embodiments, a source and a bulk of the transistor M₂ are electrically coupled to each other and with a supply voltage V_DD.

As noted, the cascode transistor M_C2 is operated in a saturation mode or a sub-threshold mode. The transistor M₂ is operated in a saturation mode. By operating the cascode transistor M_C2 in a saturation mode or a sub-threshold mode, the voltage headroom of the analog circuit 120 becomes larger. Additionally, the gates of the cascode transistor M_C2 and the transistor M₂ are electrically coupled with the drain of the cascode transistor M_C2. No bias circuit is electrically coupled with and used to provide a bias to the bulk of the cascode transistor M_C2 to adjust the operation mode of the cascode transistor M_C2.

In some embodiments, the cascode transistor M_C2 is operated in a sub-threshold mode, and the transistor M₂ is operated in a saturation mode. To achieve the operation, the absolute value of the voltage differential (V_GSC2) between the gate and the source of the cascode transistor M_C2 is less than the absolute value of the threshold voltage (V_THC2) of the cascode transistor M_C2. The absolute value of the threshold voltage (V_THC2) of the cascode transistor M_C2 is less than the absolute value of the threshold voltage (C_TH2) of the transistor M₂. The relationship among the absolute values of the voltage differential V_GSC2 and the threshold voltages V_THC2 and V_TH2 is shown as below:
|V_⊥GSC2|<|V_⊥THC2|<|V_⊥TH2|

In some embodiments, the absolute value of the threshold voltage (V_THC2) of the cascode transistor M_C2 being less than the absolute value of the threshold voltage (V_TH2) of the transistor M₂ allows a channel length of the cascode transistor M_C2 to be designed shorter than a channel length of the transistor M₂. In some embodiments, a channel width of the cascode transistor M_C2 is designed to be wider than a channel width of the transistor M₂. In some embodiments, the cascode transistor M_C2 is a native transistor and the transistor M₂ is not a native transistor. For example, the absolute value of the threshold voltage (V_THC2) of the cascode transistor M_C2 is around 0, and the absolute value of the threshold voltage (V_TH2) of the transistor M₂ is higher than 0. In still some embodiments, the cascode transistor M_C2 is a low threshold voltage (LVT) transistor or an ultra-low threshold voltage (ULVT) transistor. As noted, the cascode transistor M_C2 is a P-type LVT transistor. The N-type dopant concentration in the channel region of the cascode transistor is lower than that of the transistor.

FIG. 2A is a schematic drawing of an integrated circuit including a bias circuit. In FIG. 2A, an integrated circuit 200 includes an analog circuit 210, which is the same as or similar to the analog circuit 110 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1A. In FIG. 2A, the analog circuit 210 includes a transistor M₁ that is the same as or similar to the transistor M₁ described above in conjunction with FIG. 1A. The integrated circuit 200 includes at least one cascode transistor, e.g., cascode transistor M_C3 that is electrically coupled with the transistor M₁ in a series fashion. A drain and a gate of the cascode transistor M_C3 are electrically coupled with a gate of the transistor M₁ of the analog circuit 210.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the integrated circuit 210 includes a bias circuit 230. The bias circuit 230 is electrically coupled with a bulk or a well region of the cascode transistor M_C3. For example, the cascode transistor M_C3 is an N-type cascode transistor. The bias circuit 230 is electrically coupled with a P-type well region or a P-type substrate of the cascode transistor M_C3.

As noted, the cascode transistor M_C3 is operated in a saturation mode or a sub-threshold mode. The transistor M₁ is operated in a saturation mode. To achieve the operation, the threshold voltage (V_THC3) of the cascode transistor M_C3 is lower than the threshold voltage (V_TH1) of the cascode transistor M₁.

In FIG. 2A, the bias circuit 230 is configured to lower the threshold voltage (V_THC3) of the cascode transistor M_C3. For example, the transistor M₁ and the cascode transistor M_C3 are designed with the similar channel length, channel width, and/or dopant concentration. The bias circuit 230 is configured to provide a voltage to the P-type well region of the cascode transistor M_C3, such that the threshold voltage (V_THC3) of the cascode transistor M_C3 is lower than the threshold voltage (V_TH1) of the cascode transistor M₁.

In some embodiments, the bias circuit 230 includes transistors M₃ and M₄ that are electrically coupled to each other in a series fashion. The transistor M₃ is an N-type transistor and the transistor M₄ is a P-type transistor. A gate and a drain of the transistor M₃ are electrically coupled with a node N₁ between the transistors M₃ and M₄. The node N₁ is electrically coupled with a bulk or a well region of the cascode transistor M_C3. A bulk and a source of the transistor M₄ are electrically coupled to each other and with a supply voltage V_DD. A gate of the transistor M₄ is controlled by a bias voltage that is provided from a bias circuit (not shown).

FIG. 2B is a schematic drawing of another exemplary integrated circuit including a bias circuit. In FIG. 2B, an integrated circuit 200 includes an analog circuit 220, which is the same as or similar to the analog circuit 120 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1B. In FIG. 2B, the analog circuit 220 includes a transistor M₂ that is the same as or similar to the transistor M₂ described above in conjunction with FIG. 1B. The integrated circuit 200 includes at least one cascode transistor, e.g., cascode transistor M_C4 that is electrically coupled with the transistor M₂ in a series fashion. A drain and a gate of the cascode transistor M_C4 are electrically coupled with a gate of the transistor M₂ of the analog circuit 220.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the integrated circuit 220 includes a bias circuit 240. The bias circuit 240 is electrically coupled with a well region of the cascode transistor M_C4. For example, the cascode transistor M_C4 is a P-type cascode transistor. The bias circuit 240 is electrically coupled with an N-type well region of the cascode transistor M_C4.

As noted, the cascode transistor M_C4 is operated in a saturation mode or a sub-threshold mode. The transistor M₂ is operated in a saturation mode. It can be achieved by controlling the threshold voltage (V_THC4) of the cascode transistor M_C4 lower than the threshold voltage (V_TH2) of the cascode transistor M₂.

In FIG. 2B, the bias circuit 240 is configured to lower the threshold voltage (V_THC4) of the cascode transistor M_C4. For example, the transistor M₂ and the cascode transistor M_C4 have the similar channel length, channel width, and dopant concentration. The bias circuit 240 is configured to provide a voltage to the N-type well region of the cascode transistor M_C4, such that the threshold voltage (V_THC4) of the cascode transistor M_C4 is lower than the threshold voltage (V_TH2) of the cascode transistor M₂.

In some embodiments, the bias circuit 240 includes transistors M₅ and M₆ that are electrically coupled to each other in a series fashion. The transistors M₅ and M₆ are N-type transistors. A gate and a drain of the transistor M₆ are electrically coupled to each other. A node N₂ between the transistors M₅ and M₆ is electrically coupled with the N-type well region of the cascode transistor M_C4. In some embodiments, a bulk and a source of the transistor M₅ are electrically coupled with a bulk of the transistor M₆. A gate of the transistor M₅ is controlled by a bias voltage that is provided by a bias circuit (not shown).

Following are various exemplary analog circuits that include at least one cascode transistor described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B. It is noted that the applications of the cascode technology of this application are not limited thereto. It is also noted that the configurations of the analog circuits below are merely exemplary. The scope of this application is not limited thereto.

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary operational amplifier. In FIG. 3, an operational amplifier 300 includes transistors M₃₀₁-M₃₀₆ and cascode transistors M_C301-M_C306. The transistors M₃₀₁ and M₃₀₃ and the cascode transistors M_C301 and M_C303 are electrically coupled to each other in a series fashion between a current source and a supply voltage V_DD. The transistors M₃₀₂ and M₃₀₄ and the cascode transistors M_C302 and M_C304 are electrically coupled to each other in a series fashion between the current source and the supply voltage V_DD. The transistors M₃₀₅ and M₃₀₆ and the cascode transistors M_C305 and M_C306 are electrically coupled to each other in a series fashion. Gates of the transistors M₃₀₁ and M₃₀₂ of the operational amplifier 300 are configured to receive input signals. The operational amplifier 300 outputs at V_OUT.

In some embodiments, gates of the cascode transistors M_C301, M_C302, and M_C305 and the transistor M₃₀₅ are electrically coupled with each other. Gates of the cascode transistors M_C303, M_C304, and M_C306 and gates of the transistors M₃₀₃, M₃₀₄, and M₃₀₆ are electrically coupled with each other. Bulks of the transistors M₃₀₁ and M₃₀₂ and the bulk of the cascode transistor M_C302 are electrically coupled with the current source. Bulks of the transistors M₃₀₃ and M₃₀₄ are electrically coupled with the supply voltage V_DD. A source and a bulk of the transistor M₃₀₆ are electrically coupled with each other. A source and a bulk of the transistor M₃₀₅ are electrically coupled with each other and electrically grounded.

Referring to FIG. 3, the configuration and operation of the transistors M₃₀₁, M₃₀₂ and M₃₀₅ are the same as or similar to those of the transistor M₁ described above in conjunction with FIG. 1A. The configuration and operation of the transistors M₃₀₃, M₃₀₄ and M₃₀₆ are the same as or similar to those of the transistor M₂ described above in conjunction with FIG. 1B. The configuration and operation of the cascode transistor M_C305 are the same or similar to those of the cascode M_C1 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1A. The configuration and operation of the cascode transistor M_C304 are the same or similar to those of the cascode M_C2 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1B.

In FIG. 3, configurations of the cascode transistors M_C301 and M_C302 are different from the cascode transistor M_C305. For example, gates of the cascode transistors M_C301 and M_C302 are not electrically coupled with the gates of the transistors M₃₀₁ and M₃₀₂, respectively. The cascode transistors M_C303 and M_C306 are different from the cascode transistor M_C304. For example, drains of the cascode transistors M_C303 and M_C306 are not electrically coupled with the gates of the cascode transistors M_C303 and M_C306, respectively. During the operation, the cascode transistors M_C301, M_C302, M_C303 and M_C306 are selectively operated in a saturation mode or a sub-threshold mode.

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary constant gm bias circuit. In FIG. 4, a constant gm bias circuit 400 includes transistors M₄₀₁-M₄₀₄ and cascode transistors M_C401-M_C404. The transistors M₄₀₁ and M₄₀₃ and the cascode transistors M_C401 and M_C403 are electrically coupled to each other in a series fashion between ground and a supply voltage V_DD. The transistors M₄₀₂ and M₄₀₄ and the cascode transistors M_C402 and M_C404 are electrically coupled to each other in a series fashion between a resistor R₄₀₁ and the supply voltage V_DD.

In some embodiments, gates of the cascode transistors M_C401 and M_C402 and gates of the transistors M₄₀₁ and M₄₀₂ are electrically coupled with each other. Gates of the cascode transistors M_C403 and M_C404 and gates of the transistors M₄₀₃ and M₄₀₄ are electrically coupled with each other. A bulk and a source of the transistor M₄₀₁ are electrically coupled to each other and electrically grounded. A bulk and a source of the transistor M₄₀₂ are electrically coupled to each other and with the resistor R₄₀₁. Bulks of the transistors M₄₀₃ and M₄₀₄ are electrically coupled with the supply voltage V_DD.

Referring to FIG. 4, the transistors M₄₀₁ and M₄₀₂ each are the same as or similar to the transistor M₁ described above in conjunction with FIG. 1A. The transistors M₄₀₃ and M₄₀₄ each are the same as or similar to the transistor M₂ described above in conjunction with FIG. 1B. The configuration and operation of the cascode transistors M_C401 and M_C402 are the same or similar to those of the cascode M_C1 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1A. The configuration and operation of the cascode transistors M_C403 and M_C404 each are the same or similar to those of the cascode M_C2 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1B.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary bandgap reference circuit. In FIG. 5, a bandgap reference circuit 500 includes transistors M₅₀₁-M₅₀₄, cascode transistors M_C501-M_C504, resistors R₅₀₁-R₅₀₃, and bipolar transistors B₅₀₁-B₅₀₂. The transistors M₅₀₁ and M₅₀₃, the cascode transistors M_C501 and M_C503, the resistor R₅₀₂, and the bipolar transistor B₅₀₂ are electrically coupled to each other in a series fashion between ground and a supply voltage V_DD. The transistors M₅₀₂ and M₅₀₄, the cascode transistors M_C502 and M_C504, the resistors R₅₀₁ and R₅₀₃, and the bipolar transistor B₅₀₁ are electrically coupled to each other in a series fashion between ground and the supply voltage V_DD.

In some embodiments, gates of the cascode transistors M_C501 and M_C502 and gates of the transistors M₅₀₁ and M₅₀₂ are electrically coupled with each other. Gates of the cascode transistors M_C503 and M_C504 and gates of the transistors M₅₀₃ and M₅₀₄ are electrically coupled with each other. A bulk and a source of the transistor M₅₀₁ are electrically coupled to each other and with the output V_OUT of the bandgap reference circuit 500. A bulk and a source of the transistor M₅₀₂ are electrically coupled to each other and with the resistor R₅₀₃. Bulks of the transistors M₅₀₃ and M₅₀₄ are electrically coupled with the supply voltage V_DD.

Referring to FIG. 5, the transistors M₅₀₁ and M₅₀₂ each are the same as or similar to the transistor M₁ described above in conjunction with FIG. 1A. The transistors M₅₀₃ and M₅₀₄ each are the same as or similar to the transistor M₂ described above in conjunction with FIG. 1B. The configuration and operation of the cascode transistors M_C501 and M_C502 are the same or similar to those of the cascode M_C1 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1A. The configuration and operation of the cascode transistors M_C503 and M_C504 are the same or similar to those of the cascode M_C2 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1B.

As noted, the descriptions of the analog circuits in conjunction with FIGS. 3-5 are merely exemplary. In some embodiments, the bias circuits 230 and 240 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 2A and 2B are selectively adapted to control the threshold voltages of the cascode transistors described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3-5.

One aspect of this description relates to an integrated circuit including a first circuit. The first circuit includes a first transistor having a first dopant type. The first circuit further includes a first cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein the first cascode transistor connected in series with the first transistor. The first circuit further includes a second transistor having a second dopant type opposite to the first dopant type, wherein the second transistor is connected in series with the first transistor. The first circuit includes a second cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second cascode transistor is connected in series with the second transistor. The integrated circuit further includes a first bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage of at least one of the first cascode transistor or the second cascode transistor.

Another aspect of this description relates to an integrated circuit including a first circuit. The first circuit includes a first transistor having a first dopant type. The first circuit further includes a first cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein the first cascode transistor connected in series with the first transistor. The first circuit further includes a second transistor having a second dopant type opposite to the first dopant type, wherein the second transistor is connected in series with the first transistor. The first circuit includes a second cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second cascode transistor is connected in series with the second transistor. The integrated circuit further includes a first bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage the first cascode transistor. The first bias circuit includes a first bias transistor having the second dopant type. The first bias circuit further includes a second bias transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second bias transistor is connected in series with the first bias transistor, and a node between the first bias transistor and the second bias transistor is connected to a bulk of the first cascode transistor.

Still another aspect of this description relates to an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a first circuit. The first circuit includes a first transistor having a first dopant type. The first circuit further includes a first cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein the first cascode transistor connected in series with the first transistor, and a gate of the first cascode transistor is connected to a gate of the first transistor. The first circuit further includes a second transistor having a second dopant type opposite to the first dopant type, wherein the second transistor is connected in series with the first transistor. The first circuit further includes a second cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second cascode transistor is connected in series with the second transistor, and a gate of the second cascode transistor is connected to a gate of the second transistor. The integrated circuit further includes a first bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage the first cascode transistor. The first bias circuit includes a first bias transistor having the second dopant type. The first bias circuit further includes a second bias transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second bias transistor is connected in series with the first bias transistor, and a node between the first bias transistor and the second bias transistor is connected to a bulk of the first cascode transistor.

The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An integrated circuit comprising:

a first circuit, the first circuit comprising:

a first transistor having a first dopant type;

a first cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein the first cascode transistor connected in series with the first transistor, and a gate of the first transistor is connected to a gate of the first cascode transistor;

a second transistor having a second dopant type opposite to the first dopant type, wherein the second transistor is connected in series with the first transistor, and a gate of the second transistor is configured to receive a first input signal;

a second cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second cascode transistor is connected in series with the second transistor; and

a third transistor having the second dopant type, wherein a source of the third transistor is connected to a source of the second transistor, and a gate of the third transistor is configured to receive a second input signal different from the first input signal; and

a first bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage of at least one of the first cascode transistor or the second cascode transistor.

2. The integrated circuit of claim 1, further comprising a second bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage of the second cascode transistor, wherein the first bias circuit is configured to adjust the threshold voltage of the first cascode transistor.

3. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the first bias circuit comprises:

a first bias transistor having the second dopant type;

a second bias transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second bias transistor is connected in series with the first bias transistor, and a node between the first bias transistor and the second bias transistor is connected to a bulk of the first cascode transistor.

4. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein a gate of the first transistor is electrically separated from a gate of the second transistor.

5. The integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein a gate of the second transistor is connected to a gate of the second cascode transistor.

6. The integrated circuit of claim 1, further comprising a resistor between the second transistor and a ground voltage, wherein the second transistor is between the resistor and the second cascode transistor.

7. The integrated circuit of claim 1, further comprising:

a fourth transistor having the first dopant type; and

a fourth cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein the fourth cascode transistor is connected in series with the fourth transistor, wherein a gate of the fourth transistor and a gate of the fourth cascode transistor are connected to a gate of the first transistor and a gate of the first cascode transistor.

8. The integrated circuit of claim 7, further comprising:

a fifth transistor having the second dopant type; and

a fifth cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the fifth cascode transistor is connected in series with the fifth transistor, and a gate of the fifth cascode transistor is connected to a gate of the second cascode transistor.

9. The integrated circuit of claim 8, wherein a gate of the fifth transistor is connected to the gate of the fourth cascode transistor.

10. The integrated circuit of claim 8, wherein the first bias circuit is configured to adjust the threshold voltage of the second cascode transistor and a threshold voltage of the fifth cascode transistor.

11. The integrated circuit of claim 7, wherein the first bias circuit is configured to adjust the threshold voltage of the first cascode transistor and a threshold voltage of the fourth cascode transistor.

12. An integrated circuit comprising:

a first circuit, the first circuit comprising:

a first transistor having a first dopant type;

a first cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein the first cascode transistor connected in series with the first transistor, and a gate of the first transistor is connected to a gate of the first cascode transistor;

a second transistor having a second dopant type opposite to the first dopant type, wherein the second transistor is connected in series with the first transistor;

a second cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second cascode transistor is connected in series with the second transistor;

a diode-connected transistor having the second dopant type, wherein a gate of the diode-connected transistor is connected to a gate of the second cascode transistor; and

a third cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the third cascode transistor is connected in series with the diode-connected transistor, and a gate of the third cascode transistor is connected to the gate of the diode-connected transistor; and

a first bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage the first cascode transistor, wherein the first bias circuit comprises:

a first bias transistor having the second dopant type; and

a second bias transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second bias transistor is connected in series with the first bias transistor, and a node between the first bias transistor and the second bias transistor is connected to a bulk of the first cascode transistor.

13. The integrated circuit of claim 12, further comprising a second bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage of the second cascode transistor, the second bias circuit comprising:

a third bias transistor having the first dopant type; and

a fourth bias transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the fourth bias transistor is connected in series with the third bias transistor, and a node between the third bias transistor and the fourth bias transistor is connected to a bulk of the second cascode transistor.

14. The integrated circuit of claim 12, wherein a gate of the first transistor is connected to a drain of the first cascode transistor.

15. The integrated circuit of claim 12, further comprising:

a fourth transistor having the first dopant type; and

a fourth cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein the fourth cascode transistor is connected in series with the fourth transistor, wherein a gate of the fourth transistor and a gate of the fourth cascode transistor are connected to a gate of the first transistor and a gate of the first cascode transistor.

16. The integrated circuit of claim 15, further comprising:

a fifth transistor having the second dopant type; and

a fifth cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the fifth cascode transistor is connected in series with the fifth transistor, and a gate of the fifth cascode transistor is connected to a gate of the second cascode transistor.

17. The integrated circuit of claim 16, wherein a gate of the fifth transistor is connected to the gate of the fifth cascode transistor.

18. The integrated circuit of claim 15, wherein the first bias circuit is configured to adjust a threshold voltage of the fourth cascode transistor.

19. An integrated circuit comprising:

a first circuit, the first circuit comprising:

a first transistor having a first dopant type;

a first cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein the first cascode transistor connected in series with the first transistor, and a gate of the first cascode transistor is connected to a gate of the first transistor;

a second transistor having a second dopant type opposite to the first dopant type, wherein the second transistor is connected in series with the first transistor;

a second cascode transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second cascode transistor is connected in series with the second transistor, and a gate of the second cascode transistor is connected to a gate of the second transistor;

a third cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein a gate of the third cascode transistor is connected to the gate of the first cascode transistor; and

a fourth cascode transistor having the first dopant type, wherein a gate of the fourth cascode transistor is configured to receive a same voltage as the gate of the third cascode transistor; and

a first bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage the first cascode transistor, wherein the first bias circuit comprises:

a first bias transistor having the second dopant type; and

a second bias transistor having the second dopant type, wherein the second bias transistor is connected in series with the first bias transistor, and a node between the first bias transistor and the second bias transistor is connected to a bulk of the first cascode transistor.

20. The integrated circuit of claim 19, further comprising a second bias circuit configured to adjust a threshold voltage of the second cascode transistor.